Concessions by Hummer H2 Competitor

Published: August 9, 2003

DETROIT, Aug. 8—
A small automaker has agreed to make design changes to a vehicle that prompted a lawsuit because it looked too much like General Motors' Hummer H2.

As part of the out-of-court settlement, the Avanti Motor Corporation, a privately held company, agreed today to give its Studebaker XUV a more streamlined rather than boxy look: a larger slant to the windshield, the removal of hood latches and vents, and larger side windows. The Hummer H2's boxy look is one of its distinguishing features.

Chuck Ellerbrock, a G.M. lawyer, said, ''G.M. simply will not allow others to profit from and capitalize upon the enormous popularity and good will that G.M. has developed in the successful Hummer H2 by copying its trade dress.''

Avanti -- named after a Studebaker design -- opened in 1999 in Villa Rica, Ga., and makes about 150 vehicles a year. It expects to produce 1,000 XUV's the first year. With a starting price of about $75,000, they will be 80 inches wide, 79.6 inches tall and 215.5 inches long. The vehicle will be introduced in April at the New York International Auto Show.